Mayor urges public to vote ‘Darren Clarke’

VOTE DARREN...Northern Ireland's Darren Clarke celebrates with the trophy on the 18th after wining The Open during round four of the 2011 Open Championship at Royal St George's, Sandwich and the Mayor of Coleraine, Ald Maurice Bradley is urging people to vote for the big man in tonight's Sports Personality of the Year awards. Photo credit: Rui Vieira/PA Wire.

THE Mayor of Coleraine, Alderman Maurice Bradley, has called on everyone in the borough to come out in force to ensure Darren Clarke is voted this year’s Sports Personality of the Year.

Speaking from council HQ on Tuesday night, the borough’s first citizen urged the Coleraine public to “return the favour” for a man whose achievements have brought honour and prestige to the entire borough and Portrush in particular.

“I would urge everyone in the Borough, and indeed Northern Ireland, to vote for Darren Clarke in this week’s annual BBC Sports Personality of the Year award,” he said.

“Darren, who took what is perhaps golf’s biggest trophy in July is one of those nominated for the award.

“To highlight Darren’s achievements, during the television broadcast from 8pm to 10pm on Thursday, December 22nd, members of the public will be provided with an opportunity to vote for their preferred choice.

“So, I would urge everyone to vote ‘DARREN CLARKE’ and make Darren a winner supported by the borough of Coleraine.”

Voting for the main award will be from a shortlist of 10 contenders presented during the live show on BBC One tonight (Thursday) and voting will only be available by phone. The number to call for each contender will be revealed on the programme after 8pm. There is no voting via the BBC Sport website, email, red button or by text.